The Science Of Beauty Supplements

No matter how meticulously you adhere to your skincare regime, eat your greens or get much-needed rest, sometimes your body still needs a little extra help and this is where supplements come in. Taking the beauty counters by storm, we spoke to the experts to get their take on the pills and powders that could help you feel strong, healthy and beautiful...

Anti-Ageing

Our skin is made up of a strong protein mesh of collagen and elastin which is an integral part of maintaining skin tissue. As we age free radicals and environmental stressors break down collagen causing skin to lose its fullness and elasticity. Collagen supplements can help preserve this much-needed protein mesh, and in turn rejuvenate skin from within.

The Supplements: There are some great skincare solutions out there to help prevent and slow down loss of collagen, but for added effect a supplement can target collagen production from the inside. “The best way to support collagen production is to provide the building blocks for it, which is lysine, an amino acid the body uses to upgrade this production process,” explains research biologist and Lumity founder, Sara Palmer Hussey PhD. Carefully formulated with amino acids, as well as collagen-protecting vitamins A, C and E, Lumity Anti-Ageing Supplements are a great choice for supporting the repair and regeneration of collagen.

Get it naturally: Boost your natural collagen production with plenty of amino acids in your diet. Protein-rich foods such as beef and chicken should be your first port of call, but also look to fish, eggs and soy for other options.

Diet Superchargers

Free radicals and environmental aggressors are believed to contribute significantly to the breakdown of cell structure, speeding up the ageing process. Fortunately, antioxidant rich vitamins, such as C and E, can help combat free radicals damage and can speed up the skin’s natural repair systems to help restore a more youthful appearance.

The Supplements: If you're after an extra boost of antioxidants, look to Perricone MD’s Super Berry with Acai. Packed full of bright berries this powder supplement can be added to water, smoothies or even your morning yoghurt to power up your body’s ability to fight off signs of free radical damage. It also contains acai, which Dr Perricone himself sees as his personal number one superfood due to its remarkable concentration of antioxidants.

Meanwhile, supercharge your nutrient-intake with Body Brilliance from Bodyism Clean & Lean. Packed with superfoods, including kale, maca, beetroot and kelp, it offers a full spectrum of muscle-loving protein, fibre and powerful antioxidants. Simply add one scoop to your daily smoothie, or even add to baking for delicious protein balls for a nutritious alternative to your usual snacks. As co-founders of Bodyism Clean & Lean, James and Christiane Duigan say, “good healthy habits are a choice that will last you a lifetime. You deserve to feel nourished, energised, relaxed and happy”. And when a supplement tastes like chocolate but still has all the benefits of eating a green salad, healthy habits are suddenly very easy to implement.

Get it naturally: Berries are our favourite way to get antioxidants and make a perfect start to the day, especially when mixed in with protein-packed Greek yoghurt. The brighter the berry colour, the more antioxidants it contains, so stock up on organic blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Also look to dark green veggies such as kale and spinach, and add some extra colour to your plate with antioxidant-rich sweet potato.

Energy Boost

Getting a good night’s sleep is an incredibly important element in tackling ageing and improving overall wellbeing. Supplements packed with serotonin-inducing B6, stress-relieving magnesium and energy boosting coenzyme Q10 can work wonders for fatigued skin and improve your sleep quality for a happier, healthier, energised you.

The Supplements:If you're in need of a better night's sleep why not treat yourself to healthy nightcap with a scoop of Bodyism Clean and Lean Serenity. Packed with calming hops, soothing chamomile and antioxidant-rich wild rosella, simply add a scoop to your milk of choice, heat and enjoy before bed. It’s delicious chocolate flavour without all the calories makes it a great alternative to a bedtime hot chocolate too.

If you’re after a holistic approach to sleep and skincare look to cult favourite, Overnight Facial Supplement by Sarah Chapman. "It does all the hard work for you," says Chapman, "working to support your skin from within, while helping to ease you into a state of relaxation for a blissful night's sleep." Boasting relaxing lavender and hops as well as sleep-promoting coenzyme Q10, vitamin B6 and magnesium, it can help increase the rejuvenating quality of your slumber. Meanwhile, its 23 skin-nourishing micronutrients get to work overnight, when your skin is in its most active phase of cell renewal. Massage Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate into the pressure points on your face and slip on a beautifully-scented Otis Batterbee Sleep Mask and leave the supplement duo to do all the hard work for you while you drift off.

Get it naturally:Make the most of magnesium and B6's calming powers with plenty of dark, leafy greens, nuts and fish. Our top tip for a much-needed energy boost, though, is to get plenty of exercise. A brisk walk each day and a couple of classes a week can make all the difference, while some gentle yoga before bed can be the perfect way to unwind your body and mind, preparing you for a night of rejuvenating sleep.

With a healthy balanced diet, targeted supplements for your concerns, plus plenty of you-time, your skin, body and mind will start to renew and feel better. With the potential bonuses of radiant skin, strengthened nails and hair, and more energy to face the day, our favourite supplements can be a welcome addition to your daily wellbeing routine.